Key takeaways
- Resistance bands are a great way to exercise and increase mobility. They come in various types and can be used for different exercises or stretches.
- Though Medicare does not cover resistance bands, some fitness services may be covered by Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap, or other Medicare health plans.
- We found that the resistance bands from Eilison offer the best value. The kit features six bands, handles, an exercise reference poster, and a carry bag.
There are many considerations to consider when you start exercising as an older adult. As people age, their muscle mass decreases, and over 30% of adults over the age of 65 have issues with walking, climbing stairs, and
According to the
One accessible, easy way to
Follow along as we share some of the best resistance bands for seniors, what makes them the best, and other considerations to weigh up when searching for a strength training routine.
Pros of resistance bands
- relatively affordable equipment
- easier to use than most exercise equipment
- versatile in exercises such as standing or sitting
- can help increase strength and range of motion
- easy to pack and travel with
- a safer option to exercise with
Cons of resistance bands
- resistance bands can break or snap
- potential for joint or muscle strain if not used properly
- not all exercises are doable with resistance bands
- can be hard to track progress
- gripping the bands may be hard for some
The thicker the band or the higher the weight,
the greater the resistance.
| Price | Type of resistance band | Material | Number of bands | Resistance levels (lb per band) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eilison Resistance Band Kit | $45.99 | tubes with cover | latex tube, nylon cover | 6 | 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 |
| GoFit ProGym Extreme | $69.99 | tubes | latex | 4 | 20, 30, 40, 50 |
| Rogue Tube Bands | starts at $22 per band | tubes | latex-based elastic | ranges from 1 to 6 | 10, 15, 30, 40, 50, 60 |
| Leekey Resistance Band Set | $26.99 | loops | rubber | 5 | 8 to 15; 15 to 30; 25 to 65; 35 to 85; 50 to 125 |
How do resistance bands actually work?
Resistance bands work with your body weight to create tension, which is measured by the pounds of force it takes to stretch the band to its capacity. Resistance levels, measured in pounds of force, mean that it requires that amount of force to extend the band to its maximum stretch.
If you have a band with a resistance level of 25 to 50 pounds, you need to exert 50 pounds of force to get it stretched out at maximum. The closer or looser the band is to its original shape, the less force is being exerted.
The thicker the bands or the higher the weight levels, the more force you have to exert to “lift” or stretch your resistance band.
To choose the best resistance bands, we considered a few different traits. Our most important criteria, however, are decided by our vetting team. They conduct meticulous research on all the companies and products we find before they reach your eyes. We then research:
- Reviews: One of the traits people look at most is how others liked the product. While each user’s experience is subjective, we made sure a majority of the reviews were positive and there weren’t any overly negative reports about these bands or the company.
- Handles: We tried to find resistance bands with handles or that offered a good grip to ensure you have the best stability when using the bands.
- Manuals or kits: From beginners to more expert band-users, having a manual for reference or a full kit makes it easier to increase or decrease weight whenever you’re ready.
- Resistance levels: From 5 lb of resistance to 100+ lb, we wanted to ensure that you have a range of options.
- Materials: While most resistance bands are latex, we considered the quality of the materials and how they were sourced and formulated to ensure you get the best quality, value, and workout.
- Price: We tried to find decent price points where the quality, equipment, and value of the resistance bands matched a variety of people.
The NIH states that strength training has many benefits, including
Cost
Gym memberships, home gyms, and other workout equipment can be expensive, and the costs add up if you want more weights or versatility in your workouts. Resistance bands are a flexible way to incorporate multiple types of exercises from your home, using your body weight or other anchors (like a door).
Flexibility
Most resistance band kits come with a carrying bag, which can make them more convenient to carry wherever you go. Even the thicker, heavier resistance bands don’t weigh as much in a bag as they do while you’re stretching them.
Additionally, the different exercises you can do with resistance bands vary from pullups, squats, arm curls, seated exercises, standing exercises, and so much more. It helps that most kits come with a workout guide you can reference if you lose ideas or inspiration on what to do next.
There are various resistance bands available, from big box stores and fitness stores to Amazon and locally. Here are some of the traits you can consider if our picks didn’t resonate with you:
- Weight resistance: Depending on your experience level, the weight of resistance, materials, and number of bands offered can be different. Consider your range of motion and the group of muscles you’d like to focus on.
- Affordability: Based on your needs, consider your budget and what you can or cannot negotiate.
- Band style: From loops and tubes to strings of bands, various types of resistance bands are available. Consider your needs and what grip suits you best before purchasing a resistance band.
- Material: Between latex, rubber, and other elastic materials, consider the types of workouts you’d like to do. Some may be more durable than others. Also, consider any allergies or intolerances you have to ensure your safety.
- Safety: Before starting to use your bands, always make sure there are no signs of holes, wear-and-tear, or lines that look too dubious to use. Additionally, reach out to a professional if you have any doubts.
If you’re unsure about any of these qualities, make sure to talk with a trained professional or healthcare professional to discuss your capabilities. It’s important to have a knowledgeable guide on any limitations you may have and when you are able to push yourself.
If you have
Do you have Medicare?
While no Medicare plan covers the cost of resistance bands, some Medigap plans and Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer access to SilverSneakers, a fitness program for adults older than 65.
Though the plan doesn’t come with access to exercise equipment, it may offer access to some gym facilities, fitness classes, and various online resources, including workout videos.
To see if you qualify for access, check your evidence of coverage document or call Medicare for clarification.
Resistance bands are an affordable, convenient, and versatile way to add strength training to your routine. You can use these bands for a variety of exercises to help retain muscle mass. There are various types of bands that can help with different exercises you’d like to work on, and the resistance weight varies from 5 pounds (lb) per band to over 100 lb.
Before starting any exercise, especially if you have a chronic condition or have recently sustained an injury, consult a healthcare professional to see if you can use resistance bands alone or if you need a trained professional to help you get started.
Yes, absolutely. Using resistance bands is a great way to add strength training to any exercise routine, including older adults. They are a safe alternative for many other exercise options, and can also be used at home.
The best resistance band for seniors varies depending on their strength, budget, range of motion, and the type of exercises they want to perform.
A good place to start is any resistance band with a handle, since grip is an important factor in resistance band training. Also, consider any chronic conditions, injuries, and other physical capabilities before purchasing a band.
Cost, resistance weight, and other accessories are other traits to consider when looking for the best resistance band for older adults.
There are various ways to use resistance bands at home. Depending on the exercises and the muscle or range of motion to focus on, any older adult can do exercises while sitting, standing, or using a door anchor.
Some exercises include arm curls, seated rows, squats, and pull-aparts.
No Medicare plan covers the cost of resistance bands.
However, some Medigap plans and Part C may help cover the cost of gym memberships or a membership with SilverSneakers.
Check your evidence of coverage document, or call your Medicare customer service to discuss what your plan may or may not cover.